Star Wars: Episode VII Casting Update

We have nothing official yet, but Variety thinks that Adam Driver (Girls) is a shoe in for the villain in Star Wars: Episode VII. Now they are reporting, from what they say are reliable sources that the following actors are in contention for the lead. We have Downton Abbey thesp Ed Speleers, Attack the Block star John Boyega, Jesse Plemons from Breaking Bad, and theater actors Matthew James Thomas, and Ray Fisher.

Disney and Lucasfilm, of course, have no comment. The role, as we are left to guess, is for a Jedi apprentice. If the rumors circulating are correct, JJ Abrams and Lawrence Kasdan’s script will focus on the core three characters of the original trilogy. The role these men are competing for probably is going to be a much larger one in the next film.

Star Wars: Episode VII begins shooting in the late second quarter or early third quarter in London’s Pinewood Studios.

Star Wars: Episode VII arrives in theaters Dec. 18, 2015.

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Speelers and Plemons could easily pass for an offspring of Luke Skywalker / Mark Hamill. Boyega, well, you know...wouldn't. He doesn't quite have Mark Hamill's eyes or jawline... I personally have trouble with the whole Luke Skywalker is a hermit Jedi for 40 years. Not only is it not plausible, it's creepy, especially after reading (& spending a whole crapload of time and money on) the EU novels, in which Luke and Mar Jade get married, have a son, Ben Skywalker, and there's great development, growth, and potential in Luke's character as a result...